Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe - Healthy Recipes Blog

Name: Easy Stuffed Jalapenos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 12 fresh jalapeño peppers (about 4 inches long); 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 cup cheddar cheese (sharp, shredded); 12 slices bacon (cut in half crosswise); Olive oil spray

Jump to Recipe

These stuffed jalapenos are so good! The combination of jalapenos, bacon, and a creamy, cheesy filling is amazing. You can make them ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or even serve them at room temperature. They keep well in the fridge for several days.

Stuffed jalapenos are served on a plate with a dip.

Stuffed jalapenos are easily one of my favorite snacks. The combination of smoky bacon, spicy peppers, and melty cheese is so incredibly good. In this easy oven-baked version, the jalapenos are filled with a creamy filling of cream cheese and cheddar, wrapped in bacon, and baked into melty perfection. It's the perfect game-day snack!

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

Jalapeño peppers: Remember to always handle them with gloves! They are quite potent.
Cream cheese: For the creamiest and tastiest results, use full-fat cream cheese.
To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Cheddar: You can use regular sharp cheddar or upgrade it by using smoked cheddar - it adds a wonderful flavor to this dish.
Bacon: Thinly sliced bacon works best in this recipe.
Olive oil spray: I use it to lightly spray the jalapenos before baking them.

Variations

If you don't enjoy spicy foods, you can make this recipe with mini bell peppers.
Although it's easiest to buy and use pre-shredded cheddar, I sometimes like to buy smoked cheddar and grate it myself. The smoked cheese adds a layer of really interesting flavor to this dish. Smoked gouda is another good option.
Instead of cutting the bacon slices in two and wrapping them around the middle of the peppers, you can use a whole slice for each pepper and wrap them all around them. The video below shows the first option. The photos show the latter one.

Instructions

Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:

Start by cutting the peppers in half lengthwise and seeding them. Wear gloves to protect your skin.

Stuff the jalapeño halves with a mixture of cream cheese, spices, and cheddar.

Wrap the bacon pieces around the peppers. Arrange the jalapeños on a rimmed baking sheet and lightly spray them with olive oil.

Bake the jalapenos for about 20 minutes in a 425°F oven, then serve them.

Expert Tip

Try not to overfill the peppers, or the filling could ooze out of them while they bake.

You might end up with a bit of extra filling, especially if your jalapeños are smaller (3 inches long rather than 4). Save it and use it as a tasty cheese spread!

Recipe FAQs

Are jalapenos very spicy?

Although they are not the spiciest peppers, they are indeed quite spicy, so they should only be served to those who like and can handle spicy foods. If you don't enjoy spicy food, you can use mini bell peppers instead.

Can I use shredded mozzarella?

I don't recomend that. Shredded mozzarella is too mild. You really do want the flavor of sharp cheddar in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Yes! Simply prep the peppers, stuff them with the cheese, and bake! I have made this recipe both ways, and both options are delicious. Here's what they look like without bacon:

Serving Suggestions

Traditionally served as an appetizer or a party snack, I sometimes make this recipe as a side dish, and no one complains. 🙂

When I serve them as a dise dish, I like to serve stuffed jalapenos with a main dish I can bake in the same 425°F oven, such as chicken leg quarters, parmesan-crusted chicken, or baked salmon.

When served as an appetizer or snack, you can add a dip such as blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, or sriracha mayo.

Storing Leftovers

The leftovers keep well in the fridge, in an airtight container, for 3-4 days. I store them in glass containers like this one:

Stuffed jalapenos are stored in a food storage container.

You can reheat them in a 350°F oven. This is one of those recipes where the leftovers are just as good as the freshly cooked dish. By the way, they are also good straight out of the fridge!

To freeze the leftovers, Once they are completely cool, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure they don't touch. Place them in the freezer for a few hours until they are completely frozen. Once they are frozen, you can store them in the freezer, in freezer bags, for up to three months. Reheat them directly from frozen in a 350°F oven.